A masked machete gang who reportedly held a mother at knifepoint are being hunted by police.

Detectives are appealing to the public for any information on the violence on Corby Street in Fartown on New Year's Eve at around 6pm.

A group of masked men with machetes were seen on the street and caused damage to a Ford Focus. One neighbour told ExaminerLive in a horrifying account how she was dragged from her home in her dressing gown and had a knife held to her throat.

No one was injured in the disturbance.

West Yorkshire Police said witnesses saw a group of men "wearing masks and carrying weapons, thought to be machetes", adding that "enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances".

Police at Corby Street, Fartown, following eyewitness reports of a machete gang

Detective Inspector Mark Catney of Kirklees District CID, said: “This incident has caused some concern in the community and we have got additional high visibility patrols and staff deployed to the area to reassurance residents.

“Use or possession of weapons will not be tolerated in Kirklees and we are taking this incident very seriously. I would urge residents who may have witnessed anything in the area to come forward and speak to the police to assist with our enquiries.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information is asked to contact Kirklees CID via 101 quoting crime reference number 13180653990 or information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.